Enjoy!!

Clara's Dorm --->

Clara's dorm room buzzed with the chaotic energy of a college slumber party. Sprawled across the floor were mountains of popcorn bags, empty pizza boxes, and a half-eaten tub of cookie dough ice cream. A chick flick played on mute on the TV, the soundtrack replaced by the excited chatter of Clara and her friends.

The moment I walked in, Clara's eyes lit up. "Isabella! You made it! And is that what I think it is?"

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. "Uh, yeah," I mumbled, self-consciously tugging on the hem of Ethan's jersey.

A chorus of gasps and giggles erupted from the group. "Is that Ethan Miller's jersey?" one girl exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

"Borrowed it," I mumbled, cheeks burning under their scrutiny.

"Borrowed, huh?" Clara winked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance."

The attention, while flattering, only intensified my nerves. I mumbled a greeting to Clara's friends and settled into a corner of the couch, the familiar anxiety twisting in my gut. Taking a deep breath, I tried to formulate a plan. How was I supposed to casually confess my feelings for Ethan amidst popcorn fights and rom-com marathons?

As if sensing my turmoil, Clara plopped down beside me, her arm brushing against mine. "So," she started, her voice low and conspiratorial, "spill the tea! What happened after you left the game?"

I recounted the conversation with Ethan, my voice tripping over words at times. Clara listened intently, a mischievous glint in her eyes. When I finished, a mischievous smirk played on her lips.

"Okay," she declared, "so here's the plan."

She spent the next ten minutes outlining a series of "subtle yet effective" strategies to gauge Ethan's interest. It involved strategically placed "accidental" bumps into him at the library, strategically timed "forgetting" a textbook I "needed" him to lend me, and, the pièce de résistance, a well-timed invitation to a "casual" study group at my place – with yours truly as the only attendee besides Ethan, of course.

My head spun with the sheer audacity of it all. But a tiny spark of excitement flickered within me. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance Ethan felt the same way. Maybe this elaborate scheme, orchestrated by my best friend and fueled by a stolen jersey, could actually lead to something more.

Suddenly, a loud knock interrupted our plotting. Clara exchanged a knowing look with me before calling out, "Come in!"

The door creaked open, revealing a familiar figure. "Hey, Clara," Ethan said with a smile, a worn basketball tucked under his arm. "Mind if I crash your little gathering?"

My breath hitched in my throat. He was here, just like Clara predicted. My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs as I stared at him, suddenly wishing I'd opted for a more "subtle" outfit than a stolen basketball jersey.

Ethan's gaze met mine, and a flicker of surprise crossed his features. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. "Hey, Isabella," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"I, uh," I stammered, my carefully crafted plan evaporating into thin air. "Clara invited me."

Clara shot me a knowing look, then nudged me towards Ethan. "Actually, Isabella needs some help – with, uh, basketball stuff."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Basketball stuff, huh? Sounds serious. Maybe I can offer some expert advice?"

The air crackled with unspoken possibilities. This wasn't exactly how I'd envisioned this evening unfolding, but as I met Ethan's gaze, a thrill of excitement coursed through me. Maybe, just maybe, fate had a different, and even more exciting, plan in store for me and the stolen jersey.

Hope you guys enjoyed!! What do you guys feel about Clara!! Isn't she super supportive!!>❤️❤️❤️